bargain

A bargain is a transaction or agreement in which the buyer obtains goods or services at a price or under terms that are unusually favorable relative to typical market prices. In common usage, a bargain denotes a good deal for the purchaser and can refer to the price, the terms, or both.

The term's origins lie in the medieval vocabulary of English commerce, deriving from Old French terms related to negotiation and agreement. Over time, bargain has come to describe not only the outcome of a negotiation but also the item or deal that embodies favorable value.

Bargaining is a negotiation process in which price and terms are discussed between buyer and seller. In many markets, prices are negotiable, and haggling is customary. In retail settings with fixed prices, a bargain may result from promotions, discounts, or price matching rather than direct bargaining.

Bargain hunting refers to deliberate efforts to locate lower prices, whether through coupons, seasonal sales, bulk buys, loyalty programs, or online deal aggregators. While bargains can yield substantial savings, buyers risk impulse purchases, deceptive discounts, or products that do not meet expectations.

Bargains occur in various forms, including sale prices, clearance items, bundle offers, second-hand purchases, auctions, and negotiable terms on services. The concept intersects with consumer surplus, price sensitivity, and market competition, and it is influenced by cultural norms and legal frameworks on advertising and fair dealing.